In Rivers,I Don’t Think Anybody Has Complained To You That We Are Not Allowing Them To Campaign–Wike

According to a report by The Cable on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, the minister maintained that his proposal had been misinterpreted by critics who believe he was attempting to influence the outcome of the forthcoming elections through financial inducements.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his decision to promise N10 million to each Abuja councillor who successfully delivers their ward for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Wike dismissed allegations that the financial pledge amounted to vote-buying, describing it instead as an incentive designed to reward political mobilisation and recognise the efforts of grassroots political representatives.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja during an inspection of ongoing development projects across the FCT, Wike insisted that the promised money was intended for councillors who meet the political target assigned to them, rather than voters expected to cast their ballots for Tinubu.

The controversy followed an announcement Wike made on Monday at a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ meeting in Kwali Area Council, where he challenged councillors to secure electoral victories for the President in their respective wards.

The gathering attracted traditional rulers, political leaders and other stakeholders, providing an opportunity for discussions on grassroots mobilisation and preparations for the 2027 elections.

While addressing participants, the former Rivers State governor emphasised the importance of councillors in securing political support, noting that their positions within local communities placed them in a strong position to mobilise residents.

He explained that the N10 million promise was intended to motivate the councillors to fulfil their political responsibilities and deliver the expected results for Tinubu.

Responding to concerns surrounding the announcement, Wike maintained that there was nothing unusual about rewarding people for accomplishing specific objectives.

To support his argument, he compared the arrangement to parents promising their children valuable gifts for outstanding academic achievements. He cited a situation where a parent could offer to buy a car or house for a child who graduates from university with a first-class degree.

According to the minister, such promises are incentives for hard work and achievement rather than attempts to purchase someone’s decision.

Wike further argued that political organisations in other countries also adopt reward systems to encourage participation and strengthen mobilisation efforts.

He stressed that he had not directed councillors to collect money from anyone to distribute to voters in exchange for electoral support. Rather, he maintained that the proposed payment was meant to recognise their efforts if they successfully delivered their respective wards.

The FCT minister also addressed claims that opposition parties were being denied access to public facilities and prevented from conducting political campaigns within the territory.

He rejected suggestions that his administration was creating obstacles for political opponents, insisting that parties remained free to organise gatherings, mobilise supporters and communicate their manifestoes to residents.

Wike challenged those making allegations of restrictions to identify specific instances where political groups had been prevented from exercising their campaign rights.

He also referenced the political situation in Rivers State, arguing that he was unaware of any complaints from individuals or political organisations claiming they had been stopped from campaigning.

The minister maintained that opposition groups should be allowed to use available public facilities, including major stadiums, to engage voters and promote their political programmes.

Reaffirming his position, Wike said, “In Rivers, I don’t think anybody has complained to you that we are not allowing them to campaign. Let them go to the main stadiums, mobilise, and talk to the people.”

Vickys_news feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com